Things to do: Hernando County events

LOCATION OF 'BEHAVIOR DOCTOR' PRESENTATION MOVES:Workshops with Dr. Laura Riffel, the "Behavior Doctor," that are scheduled for Thursday have moved to Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mount Fair Ave., Brooksville. The first session will be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and the other from 7 to 9 p.m.

Riffel will discuss how to use scientific principles to change challenging behavior in children.

There is no cost to attend. To reserve a seat in one of the workshops, call (352) 797-7022, ext. 407, or email to defillippo_j@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

GARDENING EVOLUTION:A free program, "Centuries of Gardening that Led to Florida-Friendly Landscaping," will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Hernando County Cooperative Extension Service, 1653 Blaise Drive, Brooksville.

Sylvia Durell, coordinator of the Hernando County Florida-Friendly Landscaping program will provide a "snapshot" of the evolution of gardening, focusing on the formal and elaborate gardens of centuries ago. She will discuss the nine principles of Florida-friendly landscaping that help protect the state's current fragile environment.

There is no cost or registration required. Seating is limited. For information, call (352) 540-6230.

PET ADOPTION FEES WAIVED: Hernando County Animal Services, in honor of Mother's Day, has waived the adoption fee throughout May for all female cats. Also, the adoption fee for all cats and dogs will be waived every Friday this month.

While adoption fees may be waived, Hernando County residents must still pay the $10 license fee for all pets adopted.

All cats and dogs adopted from Animal Services will be spayed or neutered, and receive all required vaccinations and flea prevention treatment. Dogs will be de-wormed and heartworm tested.

The shelter, at 19450 Oliver St., Brooksville, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For information, call (352) 796-5062.

The program will be presented by Jennifer Wilson of Triad Public Adjusters. Topics include coverages, exclusions, deductibles, perils (sinkholes, fire, flood and hurricane), claims handling and protecting your home.

Seating is limited. To reserve a seat or for information, contact Wilson at jennifer@asktriad.com or toll-free at 1-866-546-1116.

BECOME A HOSPICE VOLUNTEER:HPH Hospice is recruiting volunteers to help at the Sturgill Hospice Care Center at 12242 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. There are numerous opportunities available, such as serving meals to patients, providing companionship to patients and family members, and assisting in the kitchen cooking meals or baking cookies.

A two-part orientation program will be provided from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 14 and 16. Lunch is provided both days. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Registration is required as seating is limited. Call Anne Clark at (352) 597-1882.

LOCAL POSTAL FOOD DRIVE:As part of the 21st annual Stamp Out Hunger national food drive on May 11, letter carriers in Hernando County will collect donations of nonperishable foods at mailboxes.

Residents are encouraged to fill a sturdy bag with items such as soup, pasta, rice, cereal and other nonperishables and leave it next to the mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery.

All of the food will stay in the community, disbursed to local food pantries and agencies.

The drive is being held in conjunction with the United Way of Hernando County. For information, visit unitedwayhernando.net or call 211.

PHOTO CONTEST:The Spring Hill Garden Club invites people who love to take photos to enter the photo contest at the upcoming Artists in the Gardens event, which will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill.

Those interested will take photographs at the event, which will feature artists set up throughout the gardens as well as a fancy hat contest. The limit is two entries per person; the themes are: "Artist at Work" and "Lady With Hat."

Entries must be submitted by email; the entrant's contact information must be included in the body of the email.

Photos must be sent to bhaag@tampabay.rr.com and received no later than May 19. The prize for each winner is $25.

Entries will be available online at naturecoastgardens.com (click on "Events") Saturday through May 19, where visitors can view and choose their favorite. Winners will be announced May 20.

VACANCY ON LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Hernando County Commission is accepting applications from individuals interested in filling two vacancies on the Hernando County Library Advisory Committee, effective through Dec. 31, 2016.

The committee is a volunteer board that acts as an advisory body to the county commissioners on matters pertaining to the county's public library system.

Those interested must be Hernando County residents and registered voters, and must submit a completed application no later than 5 p.m. May 17.

Applications are available at the county administrator's office, Room 263, Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St., Brooksville, or may be downloaded from the website at hernandocounty.us/bocc/committees.htm. For information, call (352) 754-4002.

RUN TO BENEFIT THE ARC:The sixth annual Spring Lake 5K Run and 2 Mile Fun Walk will be May 25 on the grounds of the Arc Nature Coast, 5283 Neff Lake Road, east of Brooksville.

The first mile takes runners through a horse barn and trail through the woods. From there, it goes onto Neff Lake Road heading south to a turn around just short of Powell Road. It is a challenging course with several steep climbs.

Awards will be given to runners in first, second and third place in various age groups. Refreshments will follow the race. There will be door prizes and food.

The cost is $25; high school runners pay $20. To register, visit active.com or thearc- naturecoast.org, and click on the link to the run.

Funds raised will benefit the Arc, a nonprofit organization that provides services to adults with developmental delays, such as job skills training, job placement and coaching, life skills, in-home supports, arts and crafts, community field trips, and transportation to and from the facility and enclave sights.

For information, call (352) 544-2322, ext. 112.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS LOGO CONTEST: Hernando County Supervisor of Elections Shirley Anderson has announced a contest to design a new logo for the elections office.

The contest is open to Hernando County students in grades 8 to 12 — public, private or homeschooled. The logo will be used in materials produced by the elections office, as well as on the website and other social media.

The winning entry will receive a gift packet provided by local businesses. All entries must be received by 5 p.m. May 17. The winner will be announced May 24.

The application and a complete set of rules can be found on the elections website at hernandovotes.com. For information, call (352) 754-4125.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE: The Florida National Cemetery Joint Veterans Committee will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. May 27 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell.

Mike Prendergast, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, will be the keynote speaker. Steve Jervey of WFLA-TV Ch. 8 will be master of ceremonies.

Joseph Harrin will lead the Hernando High School Band as it performs patriotic music prior to and during the ceremony. Linda Burnette and Tina Foss will sing, Naomi McClain will perform on bagpipes and Gayle Williams will play taps.

There will be a rifle salute by the Sumter Correctional Honor Guard and the posting of colors. The Ye Mystic Air Krewe will provide a flyover.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early. Seating is limited; bring a lawn chair or blanket. For information, call (352) 793-7740.

CAREER-ORIENTED YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS: Pasco-Hernando Community College will offer two academic career-themed summer camps designed for middle and early high school students (those entering seventh through ninth grades). The camps will be at the West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey.

• Business and Technology Careers — 1 to 4:30 p.m. June 17-20 or 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 22-25. Campers will experience drafting, designing and building their own home on the computer; create a plan for a new business, prepare and participate in a mock trial, and learn computer forensics techniques. The cost is $80.

• Health Careers — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 10-13 or 1 to 4:30 p.m. July 8-11. Campers participate in simulations and other hands-on activities related to PHCC's paramedic, nursing, dental and radiography programs, such as taking basic vital signs to capturing X-rays. Campers also become CPR certified. The cost is $100.

Each camp is limited to the first 12 students who register. Visit phcc.edu/summercamp or call (727) 816-3244.